What is the difference between 1F and 1B?

Impact velocity: F covers particles at 45 m/s, B at 120 m/s. Grinding and cutting call for at least 1F; work with high-velocity particles calls for 1B.

Vented or non-vented?

Against dust and debris, vented models reduce fogging. For liquid splash and chemical work a sealed, non-vented model is required, since a vent lets the liquid through.

Can they be worn over prescription glasses?

Use over-spectacle models made for the purpose. Forcing standard safety glasses over a prescription pair leaves gaps at the face and lowers the protection.

Do welding lenses replace a welding helmet?

No. Welding-tinted eyewear is for brief work such as tacking and observation; arc welding needs an auto-darkening helmet that protects the face as well as the eyes.

How long does anti-fog coating last?

The coating wears with use and with the wrong cleaning. Rubbing a dry cloth over the lens damages it; water and a soft cloth extend its life. Scratched lenses distort vision and should be replaced.

Brand

Sort

Safety Glasses

Eye protection starts with one question: is the hazard flying debris, dust, liquid or light? Each wants a different pair. This page covers the impact grades in EN 166, what the lens tint is for, and the vented/non-vented distinction. The catalogue holds over 130 models from Max Safety, Milwaukee and Baymax.

1–24 of 138 · page 1 / 6

Impact grade and lens tint

EN 166 states impact resistance by letter: S is basic, F is low energy impact (45 m/s), B medium energy (120 m/s) and A high energy. Grinding, cutting and nailing call for at least 1F, and work with high-velocity particles for 1B.

The tint follows the environment: clear indoors and for general use, smoke outdoors in sunlight, yellow to raise contrast in poor light. Welding lenses are numbered by arc intensity and never replace a welding helmet — they are for observation and tack work only.

Lens	Where
Clear	Indoors, general use
Smoke	Outdoors, in sunlight
Yellow	Low light, contrast
Welding	Tacking and observation, brief

Vented, non-vented and anti-fog

Vented goggles let air through, which reduces fogging, and are used against dust and debris. Non-vented models are made for liquid splash and fine dust — in chemical and paint work a vent would simply let the liquid in, so a sealed model is required.

Fogging is the most common reason eyewear comes off, and fogged eyewear protects nothing. Anti-fog coated models make a visible difference across temperature changes and when worn with a respirator. Scratched lenses distort vision and should be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 1F and 1B?
Impact velocity: F covers particles at 45 m/s, B at 120 m/s. Grinding and cutting call for at least 1F; work with high-velocity particles calls for 1B.
Vented or non-vented?
Against dust and debris, vented models reduce fogging. For liquid splash and chemical work a sealed, non-vented model is required, since a vent lets the liquid through.
Can they be worn over prescription glasses?
Use over-spectacle models made for the purpose. Forcing standard safety glasses over a prescription pair leaves gaps at the face and lowers the protection.
Do welding lenses replace a welding helmet?
No. Welding-tinted eyewear is for brief work such as tacking and observation; arc welding needs an auto-darkening helmet that protects the face as well as the eyes.
How long does anti-fog coating last?
The coating wears with use and with the wrong cleaning. Rubbing a dry cloth over the lens damages it; water and a soft cloth extend its life. Scratched lenses distort vision and should be replaced.